[Rhodes22-list] Anchor Chain Question

[Wally Buck]

Bill,

I agree with Bill here. I started out using about 8 feet of chain. For my 
conditions I quickly found out that I don't need any chain. I anchors in 
fairly shallow coves with red clay bottom. It has never been a problem. The 
chain seemed like extra hassle and weight. Everyone told me this was going 
to be a big problem. It has worked just fine and I spend a bunch of nights 
anchored. I would guess your conditions up river are much the same. If you 
plan on towing your boat to the coast I would suggest chain but don't see 
any need on the river.

Wally.

>From: Bill Effros <bill at effros.com>
>Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Anchor Chain Question
>Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 19:04:01 -0500
>
>Bill,
>
>I've got the Fortress FX11, and I think it's a terrific anchor.  I also 
>have the smallest Guardian anchor, which I store in a pouch, unassembled, 
>and I've been very happy with that one also.
>
>I think those people know a lot about anchors, and I would be inclined to 
>follow their recommendations.
>
>I have several lines with differing amounts of chain on each, and several 
>with no chain at all.  I find I always go for the no chain at all, because 
>I've never had any trouble with it, and it's so much easier to handle.
>
>The trick to anchoring (as with so many other things) is practice.  Try 
>setting your anchor when it's not critical.  See if you have enough 
>navigation skill to be able to determine if your anchor is dragging.
>
>When it's really blowing you shouldn't be on our boats in the first place.  
>Anchoring and praying is not the answer.  If you are trapped in a situation 
>like this, and can't get to shore, head for open water and heave-to.  
>Practice heaving-to, too.  Work with the elements, not against them.
>
>The guy who developed those anchors recommends setting 2 at 180 degrees 
>apart and tying both off on the bow.  Then neither one will have to reset 
>if current or wind shifts.  Differing lengths of chain will  not matter, 
>longer scope can be set because the boat will rotate in a much smaller arc 
>relative to other boats.
>
>Avoid anchor overkill.  That goes for the chain, too.
>
>Bill Effros
>
>
>
>
>William E. Wickman wrote:
>
>>I just got my nifty Fortress FX7 anchor.  The instructions that came with
>>the anchor said to use a short length of anchor chain (6 feet of chain if
>>anchoring in 25' of water or less, and add another 6 feet of chain for 
>>each
>>additional 25' of depth).  Their claim is that chain anchor rodes lack the
>>shock absorbancy of nylon rope when the wind increases.  This advice runs
>>contrary to what I have been reading in the Rhodes FAQ that most of you 
>>are
>>using around 20 feet of chain.  So, does the Fortress require less chain
>>because it is so light?  What gives?  I presume that these anchor guys 
>>know
>>what they are talking about, but...
>>
>>Also, since I have 20 feet of chain that I use with my gbi anchor, what 
>>are
>>the dynamics of using shorter chain on a second anchor when setting two
>>anchors?  Does it really matter?
>>
>>B. Wickman
>>
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